Cathedral Window Haworthia
Haworthia cymbiformis
Cathedral Window Haworthia is a beautiful rosette-forming succulent with pale green, boat-shaped leaves. Its most striking feature is the translucent, window-like leaf tips that filter sunlight into the leaf interior, allowing the plant to photosynthesize even when partially buried in its native sandy environments. Give it bright, indirect light, let the potting mix dry between waterings, and use a planter with drainage holes.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Friendly
Haworthia cymbiformis is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it an excellent choice for households with pets.
Full care guide
Cathedral Window Haworthia Care
Grow Haworthia cymbiformis with bright indirect light, soak-and-dry watering, and a gritty mix that keeps the translucent leaf windows clear and firm.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Haworthia cymbiformis thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. In their natural habitat, they grow under the shade of rocks or larger plants. Avoid harsh, direct midday sun, which can cause the leaves to turn red, white, or brown from stress.
Water
Follow the ‘soak and dry’ method. Allow the potting medium to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. Ensure that no water sits in the center of the rosette or between the leaves, as this trapped moisture can quickly lead to rot. Reduce watering significantly in the winter months.
Soil and Planter
Aim for a gritty, well-draining soil mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti. A mixture containing 50% inorganic material like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand is ideal to ensure oxygen reaches the roots and water drains quickly.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-26°C). These plants are not frost-hardy. If kept outdoors, they must be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). They tolerate low humidity well, making them perfect for typical indoor environments.
Common Issues
- Etiolation:
If the plant does not receive enough light, the rosette will stretch out and lose its compact, attractive shape.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Cactus and succulent liquid fertilizer
Soil
Gritty, fast-draining cactus and succulent mix with added perlite or pumice.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3 to 5 inches in diameter
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Offsets (pups) are easily removed and repotted; can also be propagated via leaf cuttings or seeds.
Common Varieties
Haworthia cymbiformis var. cymbiformis
Compact rosettes of fleshy, pale green, boat-shaped leaves distinguished by translucent "windowed" tips and delicate dark green longitudinal veining.
var. obtusa
This variety has compact rosettes of fleshy, lime-green leaves featuring distinctive blunt, rounded tips and translucent "windowed" upper surfaces marked by dark green longitudinal veins.
var. ramosa
*Haworthia cymbiformis* var. *ramosa* features fleshy, pale green, boat-shaped leaves with translucent "window" tips and dark green longitudinal veins, uniquely growing on elongated, branching stems.
var. setulifera
*Haworthia cymbiformis* var. *setulifera* has pale green, boat-shaped leaves that feature translucent "cathedral window" tips and fine, hair-like bristles along the margins and keels.